Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia'
cherry laurel 'Rotundifolia'
A vigorous, bushy and upright evergreen shrub, reaching a height of 5m with dark green, glossy oblong leaves. Small, fragrant white flowers on 5-12cm long spikes appear in mid and late spring, followed by cherry-like red fruits, ripening to black
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | Black Red | ||
| Winter | Green | Black |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Seed kernels harmful if eaten, wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, rabbits, rodents): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Prunus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs with showy flowers in spring, and often good autumn foliage colour. Some have edible fruit in autumn, and a few species have ornamental bark
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in sun or part shade, excellent for hedging but may become chlorotic in shallow chalk soil. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to autumn or hardwood cuttings from late autumn to late winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pruning group 8, prune evergreen hedges in late spring or early summer
Pests
Leaves may be damaged by vine weevil and leaf mining moths
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus and laurel leaf diseases
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.